Solid-State Fluorometer for Water Biological Contaminant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and controlling chemical concentrations in water systems, particularly in industrial settings, lack effective and precise techniques for detecting biological materials and contaminants, which can lead to inadequate control of microbial contamination and biofilm formation.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state fluorometer equipped with light emitting diodes (LEDs) or solid-state lasers is used to detect fluorescence from biological materials in water systems, producing output signals proportional to the detected fluorescence, allowing for the monitoring and optional control of biological material concentrations using biocidal or biostatic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring methods are used for chemical concentrations in water systems, then the monitoring can be performed with simple equipment, but the detection precision and sensitivity for biological materials is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/optical monitoring equipment with a solid-state fluorometer that uses photonic excitation sources (LEDs or solid-state lasers) to detect biological materials through fluorescence emission. This substitution enables precise detection of trace biological contaminants by measuring fluorescent signals at specific wavelengths, achieving high measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical scanning systems or bulky optical components.
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used for biological materials, then the equipment is simpler, but the sensitivity and specificity for detecting microorganisms and biofilms is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the fluorescent emission properties (optical color changes) of biological materials such as proteins, amino acids, and microorganisms. By exciting these materials at specific wavelengths and detecting their characteristic fluorescence emission, the system achieves high sensitivity and specificity for detecting biological contaminants. Different biological materials exhibit distinct fluorescence spectra, enabling selective detection and differentiation of various contaminants in water systems.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescence detection is used to monitor biological materials, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to specialized excitation sources and detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (excitation wavelength, emission wavelength, fluorescence intensity) to monitor biological material concentrations. By tuning the excitation source to specific wavelengths that resonate with fluorescent moieties in biological materials and detecting the corresponding emission wavelengths, the system achieves precise concentration monitoring. The solid-state design allows for compact integration of excitation sources, optical paths, and detectors, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method enables precise detection and control of biological contaminants and other chemicals in various water applications, effectively preventing microbial contamination and biofilm formation, as demonstrated by the detection of proteins, amino acids, and microorganisms, with improved sensitivity and specificity across different excitation wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
a solid state fluorometer that has one or more excitation sources that are either a light emitting diode or a solid state laser
Implementation Method 2
a solid state fluorometer that has one or more excitation sources that are either a light emitting diode or a solid state laser
Implementation Method 3
The fluorometer has one or more detectors that receive fluorescence from the excitation of the water system and produce an output signal proportional to the quantity of fluorescence received by the detectors
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring and controlling the concentration of chemicals added to and present in water systems via the use of a solid state fluorometer. Biological materials that exist in water systems are monitored and controlled through the use of a solid state fluorometer.